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Rouhani, Putin discuss ways for expanding ties

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have discussed ways for expanding relations between the two countries in all fields, PressTV reported.

The two sides also discussed regional and international developments during a telephone conversation late on Thursday, stressing the implementation of the deals the two sides inked at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek in September last year.

"Arrangements should be made to pass the implementation phase of Bishkek agreements as soon as possible and reach the phase of more significant measures in the relations between the two countries," the Iranian president stated.

Referring to the talks between Tehran and the six major world powers on Iran's nuclear energy program, Rouhani said, "The two sides are at an important stage for reaching final negotiations."

Rouhani also pointed out to Russia's positive role in the talks and expressed hope that other countries in the negotiations would contribute to resolve the issue faster through constructive interaction and fulfillment of their commitments.

During the telephone conversation, the Russian president said, "Bilateral cooperation between Iran and Russia should advance quickly and I do my best to expand economic cooperation between the two countries."

As for the talks on Iran's nuclear energy program, Putin said Tehran has played a positive and constructive role during the negations.

"We do our best so that Iran's nuclear issue reaches the final result," Putin added.

Iran and the six world powers -- the United States, China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany -- clinched an interim nuclear deal in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 24 last year. The deal took effect on January 20.

Iran and the six countries are working to hammer out a comprehensive deal following the Geneva accord. Experts from both sides met in Vienna, Austria, last week.

The next round of high-level talks between Iran and the six countries is scheduled to be held in Vienna on March 17.